7+ Online streaming options so you can cut your cable without missing an episode of Game of Thrones

If you're like me, you watch a handful of shows on a handful of channels. Usually on DVR.

Getting hundreds of channels means nothing to you. It means nothing to me.

It's like being at a buffet filled with food you wouldn't eat.

Sure, it's all you can eat, sure, but you don't want to eat it!

I know many of you are like me because one of the most popular money saving guides is our guide to cutting your cable. It gives you a step-by-step guide to replacing your cable television service with other services. I kept it purposely simple, not recommending a laundry list of services, because you're more likely to take action.

Today, I want to offer up options.

If you're a convert to cutting your cable and going with just internet service, here is a curated list of options to still get the shows you want.

1. SlingTV

Besides illegal streaming, SlingTV is easily one of the best alternatives to cable television service.

If you're one of the few people who watches one of those random ESPN channels all the time (most likely for international soccer), for $5 more you get their Sports Extra package that gets you the SEC Network, ESPNU, ESPNEWS, BeIn Sports, ESPN Goal Line, ESPN Bases Loaded, Outside TV, and Univision Deportes Network.

How much are you paying for cable today and do you really watch channels outside of those? If the answer is no, consider cutting the cable for this way cheaper alternative that you can watch anywhere you are able to stream. SlingTV supports computers, tablets, Chromecast/Roku/etc, and even the Xbox One.

For a limited time, Sling TV will give you a free Roku streaming stick (retails for $39.99) when you sign up for a month of Sling TV. This turns any TV with an HDMI port into a TV that can run Sling and other internet services (Netflix, Amazon, etc.)

(curious how they do it? SlingTV is owned by Dish Network, it's not some random startup that'll disappear on you)

2. Roku

Roku is a streaming device you can connect to your television via an HDMI port. It's a one time purchase and one of the cheapest options is a Streaming Stick at under $50. The most expensive is a Roku 4 at $129.99. We recently purchased the Roku 3 (it replaced a defective and underutilized cable box that cost us $13 a month!) and I list this as an option even though it doesn't technically come with service because it offers a great streaming option and some free channels.

After you purchase a Roku device, you can link up all your paid services for us with your TV (great if it's older and doesn't have internet connectivity) plus some free channels including PBS, Crackle, Smithsonian Channel, PBS Kids, CBS News, and more.

You can also purchase HBO Now and Showtime at the regular direct rates. Showtime offers a 2-month trial on Roku.

3. Netflix

I like to watch television shows with a few seasons under their belt. I feel like with a few seasons, the actors can settle into their characters' personalities, there will be a few dozen episodes to enjoy, and a true story can develop.

For that, I usually turn to Netflix, which has a huge library of television shows, movies, and their own original content. At less than ten bucks a month for their basic streaming package, it's insanely cheap and you can stream to nearly any device out there. I have yet to find a device that won't stream Netflix.

4. Amazon Video

Amazon Prime is Amazon.com's video streaming service that comes packaged with Amazon Prime, the free shipping membership. Amazon Prime costs $99 per year, or $10.99 per month, which is a fantastic deal if you do a lot of shopping on Amazon. You get free two-day shipping (sometimes free Same-day deliveries too), a slew of other benefits, plus access to their video streaming service which has thousands of free TV shows and movies.

Like Netflix, you can stream it to nearly any device currently available. Amazon also has their Fire TV and Fire TV Stick devices.

Hulu is a great service that has a ton of current television shows but Plus is where you get access to an enormous library of content – older shows in syndication like Seinfeld, new original content like The Mindy Project, plus you get limited commercials at $7.99 a month or No Commercials for $11.99 a month.

Showtime is also available as an add-on for Hulu Plus for $8.99 a month.

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About Jim Wang

Jim Wang is a thirty-something father of two who has been featured in the New York Times, Baltimore Sun, Entrepreneur, and Marketplace Money.

He can show you the philosophies, tools, strategies and methods he used to become financially independent and free to pursue what was important.

One of his favorite tools is Personal Capital, which enables him to manage his finances in just 15-minutes each month. They also offer financial planning, such as a Retirement Planning Tool that can tell you if you're on track to retire when you want. It's free.

Comments

We have gone to circle; Direct and Comcast X1. We added an Apple TV box too! When the cable goes out, we switch on HDMI 2 and watch Netflix and others. So we are looking to go streaming with Apple. What services offers tv through the Apple TV box?

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